On April 15, 2025, France Inter revealed a study by the Agency for Ecological Transition (Ademe) that highlights a growing concern in France: eco-anxiety. This term refers to the mental distress many individuals feel in response to environmental issues, and the study indicates that it can now be regarded as a public health issue.
According to the findings, 4.2 million French citizens are classified as being strongly or very strongly eco-anxious. This alarming figure suggests that a significant portion of the population grapples with feelings of anxiety related to environmental degradation and climate change, as well as a sense of helplessness regarding the perceived inaction of decision-makers. Oxfam France supports this perspective, noting that eco-anxiety often manifests in various anxiety disorders.
Among those affected, approximately 420,000 individuals are at risk of developing severe psychopathological disorders, such as reactive depression or anxiety disorders. The study reveals that of the total number of eco-anxious individuals, 2.1 million are categorized as strongly affected, while another 2.1 million fall into the very strongly affected category.
Interestingly, the study also highlights that a substantial portion of the French population—31.5 million individuals—report feeling either not at all eco-anxious or only slightly so. This is a crucial detail as it underscores the varied experiences of eco-anxiety across different demographics.
Demographic analysis reveals that eco-anxiety is prevalent across all socio-economic categories, but certain trends emerge. Individuals with a bac+3 (three years of higher education) are the most likely to experience eco-anxiety, while those without diplomas report the lowest levels of anxiety. Furthermore, residents of large urban areas, particularly in the Paris region, exhibit higher levels of eco-anxiety compared to those living in rural settings.
Gender differences also emerge from the study. Women tend to report higher levels of eco-anxiety than men. However, men are more likely to experience severe symptoms of this anxiety. The age group most affected by eco-anxiety is the 25-34 demographic, while individuals aged 50-64 appear to be less susceptible to severe forms of this condition.
In a related study conducted by the Observatory of Eco-Anxiety (OBSECA), in collaboration with Econoïa and Ademe, it was found that one in four French people consider themselves at least slightly eco-anxious. This research further defines eco-anxiety as mental distress in response to environmental challenges, which can lead to debilitating symptoms such as constant rumination over the environmental crisis, intense feelings of worry, and social isolation.
For 2.1 million French citizens, the level of eco-anxiety is significant enough to necessitate psychological support. Alarmingly, about 1% of these individuals, or roughly 420,000 people, are at a severe risk of developing psychopathological disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders.
The report emphasizes that eco-anxiety affects all socio-demographic categories, but the most vulnerable group remains the 25-34 age cohort, while retirees seem to be the least affected. Interestingly, the study notes that women are slightly more impacted than men, with an average score of 10.67 out of 39 for women, compared to 9.12 for men.
Additionally, the study highlights that higher educational attainment correlates with increased levels of eco-anxiety. Those with a bac+3 degree or higher tend to express more anxiety about environmental issues than their less-educated counterparts.
Living in urban environments, particularly in major cities, seems to exacerbate feelings of eco-anxiety. The pressures of city life, combined with a heightened awareness of environmental issues, contribute to this phenomenon.
Pierre-Eric Sutter, a psychologist-psychotherapist and co-director of Econoïa, underscores the seriousness of eco-anxiety, stating, "Because it threatens the mental health of over 2 million French people, eco-anxiety is a public health issue that needs to be addressed to transform it into a positive force for adapting to future environmental situations." Sutter's insights suggest that the emotional burden associated with eco-anxiety can be harnessed to foster resilience and proactive environmental action.
Ademe proposes that it is essential to support eco-anxious individuals in overcoming the emotional toll of their environmental concerns. This support could facilitate a transition from anxiety to eco-action, empowering individuals to engage positively with environmental challenges.
As the climate crisis continues to unfold, understanding and addressing eco-anxiety is crucial. It is clear that this phenomenon is not just a personal struggle for many; it reflects broader societal concerns about the future of our planet. The findings from these studies highlight the need for increased awareness and support systems for those grappling with eco-anxiety, as well as the importance of collective action in addressing the environmental issues that fuel these feelings.
In conclusion, eco-anxiety is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people in France. As society grapples with the realities of climate change, the emotional and psychological impacts of these concerns must be prioritized in public health discussions. By fostering resilience and encouraging eco-action, it is possible to turn the tide on eco-anxiety and cultivate a more hopeful outlook for the future.
